Trouble in paradise! It looks like WB and DC have entered talks to discuss the direction of future comic book adaptations. We get the following news from our friends at comingsoon:
Both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety are reporting that Warner Bros. Pictures is holding new meetings with DC Comics to discuss a new direction for its film adaptations. What is assumed by the trades is that Warner/DC are feeling the pressure with the success of Marvel Studios bringing its many characters to the big screen. Here’s the statement released by WB:
“While we are not going to go into the specifics of the meetings, we’re constantly looking at how best to exploit the DC Comics characters and properties. DC is an incredibly valuable asset to Warner Bros. and plays an important role across the entire studio by providing development and franchise opportunities for all media, including films, television, home entertainment, animation, consumer products, video games and digital platforms.”
It sounds like the WB is in some shit from where I sit. DC is no doubt looking on with envy as Marvel plans to do crossovers with their own characters, within their own production house. The bean counters at DC must be considering a similar move and are no doubt concerned at the current red tape that will hurt the chances of quality crossovers. When this meeting is done, I wouldn’t be surprised if DC either decides to end their relationship with WB or just demand a much bigger piece of the pie and more creative control.
Comic book characters have become a pop culture pantheon, and now we are enjoying their exploits in ways I wouldn’ t have even imagined possible as a child. CGI keeps getting better and I start to cry a little bit when I consider the types of advances that we will see 20 years from now. People have a hunger for these heroes and the box office is where we come to worship.
May wisdom guide DC’s decision, there is big money to be made, for who knows how long. Right now WB is drinking their milkshake, they’re drinking it up!
